ARCP/RITA Process

The Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) is the formal process by which a trainee’s progression through training is reviewed and assessed. The ARCP panel of assessors confirms progress in each of the specialty training years (i.e. from CT1/ST1 onwards) and approves progress from one training year to another. It is critical that this review is robust and of high quality in order to ensure patient safety and to promote the highest educational standards.

The ARCP process was introduced in 2007 and the National Guidance regarding the process is described in the ‘Guide to Postgraduate Specialty Training in the UK’ (The Gold Guide). The ARCP process applies to all Specialty Trainees and replaces the Review of in Training Assessments (RITA) which continues to operate for existing Specialist Registrars until they have completed their training.

The ARCP process places an emphasis on educational and workplace based appraisal, use of workplace based assessment and annual planning of trainee learning. The Annual Review is conducted by a panel which assesses whether a trainee is progressing at an appropriate rate and through appropriate experience in the achievement of the competencies described in specialty specific Royal College and General Medical Council (GMC) approved curricula.